Designing for Life’s Beautiful Messes
Photography by Stacy Zarin Goldberg
The Many Decisions Behind a Beautiful, Functional Family Home
Have you ever stopped to think about how many decisions go into creating a beautiful and fully functional room design? Not many people do, and when asked they would think of paint colors, furniture placement, and maybe window treatments.
Great design is so much more than that! So today I thought I would take a little time to break down one of my favorite projects and share a little insight into the decisions we had to make along the way to bring this Growing Family Home to life!
When we began designing this project, we tackled everything from durable materials for sticky fingers and wobbly first steps to creating spaces that encourage connection, relaxation, and fun.
Let’s take a closer look at the decisions—big and small—to create a home that’s as stylish as it is livable.
“Who” always comes before design…
Anyone can pick out pretty furniture and paint colors, but to truly design a space that fits into day to day life, you have to take a moment to understand the heart of the family who lives there. We are not just creating something that is magazine worthy, we are creating a space where life happens—messy, beautiful, joyful life.
Once we know the people we are designing for more intimately, we are able to see clearly where the heart of their home lies.
The heart of this home is the great room…
Our goal was to create a true family hub that’s ready for anything. A place where Lego dreamscapes are built, toy cars race to the finish line, and wobbly first steps are celebrated.
Decisions behind the design…
We knew we were looking for furniture that was both sleek and modern, but we also realized what we selected had to hold up to day to day family living. It had to be durable, practical, and ready for action.
So we went in search of…
Fabrics that can handle Cheeto-covered fingers and doggy slobbers.
A sofa you could jump on. (Go ahead, we planned for it.)
Soft pillows and cozy throws to rest your head (or your feet) after a long day.
The result is a space that invites you to play, laugh, study, and snuggle up for cartoon marathons.
Designing a kitchen for daily life…
Family spaces need to do more than just look good—they have to work hard for you, too. Which is why every decision we made was rooted in the realities of daily life. Again, this was so much more than creating a showpiece to feature in a magazine. It was about designing a space that could keep up with the joyful chaos of childhood while offering moments of calm and connection for mom and dad.
Decisions behind the design…
First thing to remember is that kitchens aren’t just for cooking–they are for deep conversations over coffee or cocktails, and homework, snack time, and keeping an eye on little ones while dinner’s in the works. To support this and all the aspects of their day to day lives, we knew we needed to…
Incorporate an island that would serve as the hub for multitasking. From chopping veggies to supervising spelling practice.
Intentionally position the island, allowing it to flow seamlessly into the great room while still defining the kitchen as its own space.
Select materials that could handle the wear and tear of family life, from everyday messes to impromptu science experiments.
Add durable countertops and kid-friendly seating to make sure everyone feels at home.
And let’s not forget the little details—the hardware that adds a touch of sophistication while being easy to clean, and cabinetry designed to store everything from pots and pans to art supplies. These are just a few of the things we considered when creating this design!
The Details in the Dining
In the dining area, we wanted to create a balance of elegance with practicality. This is where casual breakfasts happen, birthday candles are blown out, and everyday moments become lifelong memories.
Decisions behind the design…
For the dining room, we focused on two key elements—sturdy and simple.
A sturdy wood table that could handle everything from conversations over a cup of tea to competitive family game nights.
Easy to clean woven chairs that add a new layer of texture as well as a relaxed vibe.
With the great room, kitchen and dining area designed to support family life, we turned our attention to another essential element—floors that tie the entire home together.
Soft Touches and Hardworking Floors
Have you ever thought about how much a floor endures in a busy home? In this home, the floors had to be more than a surface—they had to be the foundation for a life in motion. This is where boys chase dogs, and toy car races zoom by. It is also a place where juice spills, muddy footprints appear and family moments to unfold.
Decisions behind the design…
With all of this in mind we selected
Wide-plank wood floors in a rich tone to bring warmth and tie the entire home together.
Durable finishes to stand up to the wear and tear of an active family with boys and dogs.
Stylish and functional area rugs that create cozy zones while softening the space.
Every detail was chosen to ensure the flooring looks beautiful and lives beautifully—just like the family who calls this space home.
A Sanctuary for Everyone
With all the activity this home holds, we knew it would not be complete unless we ensured everyone had a sanctuary to call their own. So, the primary bathroom became a spa-like escape.
Decisions behind the design…
The primary bathroom became a spa-like escape, offering a steam shower, designed for parents to relax and escape the busyness of daily life.
A master bedroom retreat featuring soothing tones, soft linens, and natural light to create a calming, restorative atmosphere.
Remaining bedrooms tailored to each family member, with soft color palettes for calm, playful touches for personality, and cozy spaces for dreaming.
Each of these spaces was thoughtfully designed to balance function with comfort, giving the family exactly what they need to feel refreshed, inspired, and at home.
Tying It All Together
At Regan Billingsley Interiors, great design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about crafting spaces that feel functional, personal, and effortlessly lived-in. It’s about creating spaces that feel alive, functional, and deeply personal. From the thoughtful selection of fabrics that can handle a bit of chaos to the perfectly placed kitchen island that makes daily life just a little easier, every detail matters.
It’s not just about building a beautiful room—it’s about crafting a space that reflects the people who live there. A space where joy happens, memories are made, and comfort is always within reach. We take pride in tuning into the smallest details to create something that goes beyond design—a place that instantly feels like home.
If you’re ready to create a home that reflects your life and tells your story, let’s start the conversation. Together, we can design a space that feels intentional, effortless, and uniquely yours.